Western & Southern Open to be called Cincinnati Open for the first time since 1901
The Western & Southern Open tennis tournament will return to Mason, Ohio, this summer, but with a semi-new name.
Beemok Capital, the tournament's owner, announced Monday that the world's longest-tenured tennis tournament will be restored to its original name, the Cincinnati Open.
"Returning to Cincinnati Open as the tournament's name is an opportunity for us to celebrate its rich history at a time when we are also focused on a bold future and taking every possible step to grow and enhance the event," Bob Moran, president of Beemok Sports & Entertainment, said in a press release.
Beemok Capital announced in October the tournament would remain at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, where it has been held since 1979, for the next 25 years. The decision came after state and local governments promised to match $130 million in public funding for the $260 million renovation and expansion of the center.
"This tournament is known for its unparalleled access to the world's best tennis players, Midwestern hospitality and passionate and loyal fans. The tournament is distinctive in that regard, and we're proud to call it the Cincinnati Open," Moran added in the release.
When the tournament debuted on Sept. 18, 1899, it was called the Cincinnati Open for its first two editions – which were held at the Avondale Athletic Club, now part of Xavier University – before being changed in 1901.
The tournament's name was changed again to the Western & Southern Tennis Tournament after its title sponsor in 2002, becoming the ninth name in the event's history. The event has also been known as the Western Open, ATP Championship, Tennis Masters and Cincinnati Masters.
In addition to changes to the tournament's name, it will also expand to two weeks of competition for both men and women in 2025. The 2024 Cincinnati Open will take place Aug. 11-19.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Western & Southern Open gets semi-new name: Cincinnati Open
